i was browsing the internet, and stumbled upon your lovely blog. I must say, I enjoyed reading your musings...As one of those millions Muslim 'by default' in this country, I cannot agree more with your writing in this entry. Most feels that they are 'entitled' more than the rest without further explanations. Personally, I think the muslims in this country are practicing 'holier-than-thou' attitude, even more strongly toward their Muslims friends.

For example, I myself, had only started to wear tudung only because it was compulsory on me as a student in IIUM back in 2000. It was the first time i put on hijab, covering the head. Growing up in Petaling jaya (PJ), I used to think it was 'uncool' to wear the tudung and too 'makcik'. Of course this perception is only to be blamed on my 'kekhilafan' and lack of understnding toward the agama. But, just to cite some of the 'extremists' in Islam; there i was a struggling 'default' muslim trying to find my way in a very Islamic surroundings, many times I encountered 'harsh' treatments from these 'extremists' in the campus; one incident was they poured cokes (the drink) on my strappy heels and sandals just because was deemed unislamic to have colorful shoes and open-toes type ones. Other times, whenever I walk around in the campus, there will be groups like these staring at me and some even would recite surahs condemning women not properly covering the aurah (fyi: I did not wear hands stockings that was my only 'guilt' for improper islamic clothing).

Anyways, point being, i was even treated like a condemn kafir although i am a hijab wearing muslim. Thus i can relate to your story of that 10 year old muslim boy in your class. Am sure it was the parents' teaching..i mean shouldnt islam be about peace and tolerance? I thought 'dakwah' was supposed to non-imposing, no pressure and not intimidating.

Whatever it is, it is great that you've found your way back to Islam. masyaAllah. and may Allah blessed your life in years to come as a proud Chinese Muslim.

Waalaikumussalam Akazukii,I always remind myself that Rasulullah SAW [pbuh] was gentle in his preaching, and never a harsh word or scolding came from his mouth during his years as a prophet. He didn't scold harshly or make judgements on another person, even though the one who came to him was a self-confessed adulterer. So who are we to pass judgement on other people?In Islam, the most righteous to Allah is not the one who reads the most quranic verses or does the most good deeds but one who is the most righteous. Those who not only obey Allah, but also practise loving kindness to all living things. Which is why in the books is written that a prostitute was granted heaven just because she fed a thirsty dog some water. I can understand your discomfort and agony, being judged just because you are not 'properly covered' like them. Well, each of us has a different level of Islamic knowledge and understanding. We should instead be kind just like Rasulullah was kind, be patient just like him, and be gentle in our dakwah just like he did. And through his way, just like he did, we will be able to show the beauty of Islam and insyAllah attract others to Islam just like the way he did.Mind you, not all my friends are tudung-clad people. Not all properly covered muslimahs. I befriend them just the same, not because I intend to do dakwah but because I like them and they like me. And if Allah permits and guide me and open their hearts to true Islamic teachings, then insyaAllah they will be better muslimahs one day. I leave it to Allah to do His job. My duty is to show the beauty and kindness of Islam by being myself, and by slowly sharing and listening to their problem, why they don't wear hijab, why they avoid Islam, etc, and to find the solution together. Would you believe me if I say that I have never told off some good friends for not wearing hijab out of the office? Many other muslimahs have scolded even told that it's a sin [ they know]but what good can come out of that? Sometimes being hard and rigid in doing what we consider as 'dakwah'will only drive potential good Muslims away.[may Allah forgive us our sins].Better be patient, seek first to understand, then be understood.may Allah bless and guide us all, ameen.

Search This Blog

GUESTBOOK

MUSLIM REVERTS CLUB

Assalamualaikum. Muslim Reverts Club is an online club for Muslim reverts, regardless of age, race and nationality. We aim to provide support and assistance to all Muslim reverts, as well as to share information about Islam. If you are a revert or have friends who are reverts, do join us. Click http://pukullima.blogspot.com/2009/04/ten.html for more information: